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Developing A Protocol For Purifying The Mala Enzyme In Bdellovibrio Bacteriovorus, John Jared Trecker

Summer Research

The sequenced genome of the gram-negative predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus contains a gene that encodes for malA, a putative maltase. Given the bacterium's observed disuse of prey carbohydrates, the gene's presence is mysterious. That characterization of the enzyme and studies of its activity and specificity can be better carried out, it is necessary to obtain pure enzyme. Protein was collected from lysed cultures of Top10/pmalA E. coli. Attempted purification by ion-exchange chromatography with DEAE columns produced significantly purer protein; SP ion exchange columns were unsuccessful, as were heparin and hydroxyapatite affinity columns. Gel filtration chromatography should prove a useful method …